NM expands enforcement power over tattoo parlors

SANTA FE — A newly enacted law gives New Mexico state government more power to crack down on tattoo parlors for licensing and health violations.

Gov. Susana Martinez signed legislation into law on Thursday allowing a state licensing board to issue orders immediately closing tattoo and body piercing studios as well as barber shops and hair salons for violations, including having unsanitary conditions that endanger customers.

The state board also can impose greater fines on unlicensed tattoo parlors.

The governor said a business currently is able to remain open for 30 days while making changes to comply with state standards.

Another new law provides for a five-year freeze on property valuations for homes of low-income elderly and disabled New Mexicans, eliminating the need for counties to annually renew the tax break.

Also signed into law were measures to:

- Require campaign finance disclosures by candidates for school boards in larger districts and community college boards. The reports will show contributions to a candidate and spending by the campaign. The law will apply to public school districts with an enrollment of more than 12,000, which includes Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Gadsden and Rio Rancho.

- Create a program to help teachers repay their student loans if they agree to work a struggling school in a high-poverty area.

- Require schools to adopt policies to help prevent cyberbullying, in which students are harassed or threatened over the Internet or mobile phones.

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- Require developers of land that had irrigation water rights removed to show that there will be an adequate water supply for homeowners.

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